The Catholic Cafe

Deacon Jeff answers an email from a listener seeking insight into books and prayers that will help them increase their knowledge of God and deepen their faith.

As the Church comes to the close of her liturgical year, the prescribed readings at Mass cause most of us to ponder the end times and judgment. Rather than fear this time, it should instill in each of us a sense of hope.

Life can certainly be difficult at times, even seemingly hopeless. Some people may find themselves angry at God, asking Him why this could be happening. Perhaps we can see some light at the end of the tunnel, and find a way to stay in grace.

Deacon Jeff discusses with Miguel Rodriguez how he discerned out of a comfy job offer right out of college and decided to become a missionary for the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. Making life choices are sometimes tough, but rewarding.

It is true that some people do leave their Catholic faith behind, especially in times of crisis. But, perhaps a look into the Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, may shed some light on which Church is THE Church and give them good reason to return...or stay.

Many Catholics have been asked whether or not we are saved, or if we died tonight, where would we spend eternity. But, wipe that deer in the headlights look off your face, and find out what the Bible, and our Church, teaches about Salvation.

Since leprosy has for the most part been eradicated from the face of the earth, most folks might think that a discussion about Jesus healing the ten lepers is no longer relevant. But, perhaps we should look closer at another possibility...spiritual leprosy.

The Commandment requiring us to honor our father and mother seems at first to be fairly straightforward. But, unfortunately, many people have difficulty living out this Commandment because of brokenness within the family itself.

Deacon Jeff and Tom open up the Catholic Cafe Virtual Mail Bag and answer some great questions from some awesome listeners who want to know more about their Catholic faith.

Many folks seem to have a strong faith. But, when a crisis hits it can test that faith, sometimes to the point of breaking. True faith based on a relationship with Jesus can become a foundation or anchor that keeps us safe through the storm.

If it has been a long time since your last Confession, you have you ask yourself why. There are many reasons we might come up with, but none of them should keep us away from one of the greatest opportunities for grace in the modern world.

Jesus never did anything half way. You are in, or you are out. No lukewarm. That is why many may have a big challenge in renouncing all our possessions in order to be his disciple.

Many folks in the world today have started to believe that there is no such thing as sin. But, that then would mean that there is no need for a place such as Hell. Tune in to find out why we need to know that Hell is for real.

Pornography is destroying individuals and families. Deacon Jeff invites John Edwards, Catholic speaker and podcaster, to discuss how to STRIVE against porn.

When Jesus tells us he came to bring division, not peace, we must not be confused. He came to draw a line in the sand concerning Good and Evil.

You may think there is no connection between the game of baseball and Catholicism. But, in a divided and increasingly pessimistic world, the all American game of baseball may be just what the doctor ordered.

Sometimes we validly think a lot about how we will provide for our future and the future of our family. But sometimes, like the rich man with the bountiful harvest, we tend to trust only in our own efforts to store up treasures for the future. Perhaps God is asking us to consider trusting in Him a bit more.

When Jesus tells us that whatever we ask of the Father will be granted to us, we still doubt Him. Perhaps we should continue to pray in faith.

We live in a busy world and sometimes we get so caught up the the work that we forget about the spiritual. Perhaps the story of Martha and Mary can shed a little light on our proper focus.

We have all certainly heard the parable of the Good Samaritan, and many think it boils down God calling all of us to simply do good deeds. But, perhaps there is a bit more to the story that might present more of a challenge for us as we attempt to live out the call of the Good Samaritan.

It is common courtesy to congratulate the Bride and Groom and their families on the day of the big wedding. But, most folks are not always sure why they do it. There are some very good reasons that a hearty congratulations is appropriate for choosing marriage.

It is certainly not easy being a disciple of Jesus. In fact, In Luke chapter 9, Jesus tells us just how hard it might be.

To fully engage in the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, or better known as the feast of Corpus Christi, one must first delve into a fuller understanding of the mystery of the Incarnation.

To better understand and more fully engage in the greatest of Christian mysteries, the Most Holy Trinity, one needs first to examine and contemplate the whole concept of MYSTERY amd try and discover why God would reveal Himself to us in this way.

There is a very good reason why the Church celebrates Pentecost every year. We must be reminded of, and engage more fully into, the gifts that the Holy Spirit affords us.