Catholic Light

Today, we read CCC, 441 - 469 and discuss the topic of "apologetics", or the defense of one's beliefs. We then look, more specifically, at the topics of the Trinity and the Immaculate Conception. It's so good and so important to know why we believe what we believe and to be able to communicate that "why" and that "what" with charity and cheer.

Today, we read CCC, 407 - 440 and discuss the Immaculate Conception, one of the most mixed-up teachings of the Catholic faith. God, who is outside of time and space, had a beautiful plan in the works long before Adam and Eve committed Original Sin and "messed up" the "first plan." And that beautiful plan included an incredible woman... the Blessed Virgin Mary... also known as the Immaculate Concep...

Today, we read CCC, 374 - 406 and discuss the concept of Original Sin. Unlike the world makes it out to be, the "rules" and laws and prohibitions of God are like fences that keep out the bad so that we may more joyfully and profoundly enjoy the good.

Today, we read CCC, 337 - 373 and discuss the Third Commandment. Like all other dimensions of Divine Revelation, this commandment is for our happiness. Will you accept "The Sabbath Challenge"?!

Today, we read CCC, 302 - 336 and discuss the concept of Divine Providence. Is God outside of time and space (and can, therefore, see my future), OR am I free to make decisions and decide my own future...? Exactly!

Today, we read CCC, 279 - 301 and discuss how we've been created out of NOTHING and given EVERYTHING. If we share that which we've been given, we then have room to receive more!

Today, we read CCC, 249 - 278 and discuss how God, though neither male nor female, creates us in his image and likeness as male and female so that we, too, can become a communion of persons, giving and receiving love. And, sometimes, that love has a name... :)

Today, we read CCC, 214 - 248 and discuss, first, the history of the difference between Protestant and Catholic Bibles and, second, Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. From the "Septuagint" to the "Transcendentals"... we define some big terms which have some big meaning for our lives!

Today, we read CCC, 185 - 213 and discuss how God, a Trinity of three Persons, is one. Rather than being a distant, nebulous entity, he is a personal God, intimately concerned with each of us and our lives. He invites us to be in relationship with him and all that that exciting adventure entails!

Today, we read CCC, 156 - 184 and discuss how the Church, after receiving the Deposit of Faith, slowly unwraps, opens, and discovers what's inside this Great Big Christmas Gift. We also discuss the role of heresy throughout Church history and mention a moment when St. Nicholas wasn't quite so jolly.

Today, we read CCC, 120 - 155 and discuss how Catholicism is a religion, not of "either/or" but, of "both/and." Are the Genesis Creation accounts true, or is science real...? Did God inspire the Bible, or was it written by human authors...? Are we supposed to use our intellect and free will to come to know and love God, or should we walk by faith...? The answer to all of these questions is, "Exact...

Today, we read CCC, 74 - 119 and discuss the way in which God establishes a system, known as the "Tripod of Truth", to ensure that his Divine Revelation is handed on without error for almost two millennia. How amazing is that?! (Note: If you would like to skip the reading of the Catechism/read the Catechism on your own, please skip to the 18:45 minute mark for commentary on CCC, 74 - 119.)

Today, we read CCC, 26 - 73 and discuss the God of Revelation. Just like God did not HAVE to create, He does not HAVE to reveal Himself, but He does. He does this because He loves us and wants to be in relationship with us. What a gift! (Note: If you would like to skip the reading of the Catechism/read the Catechism on your own, please skip to the 22:00 minute mark for commentary on CCC, 26 - 73.)

On today's episode, we read CCC, 1 - 25 and discuss how God is "infinitely perfect and blessed in Himself" and, therefore, does not need us... What great news!

During this episode, I introduce myself, the inspiration and vision for the podcast, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church . I provide a very brief history of the Catechism and walk you through, practically, how to use the book.

Join me, Becca Dougherty, on the weekly Catholic Light Podcast beginning on Monday, February 28, 2022. Available on iTunes and YouTube, we'll read through and discuss some of the beautiful teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church .