Greater Things with J.D. McQueen and Fr. Barry Cuba

Fr. Barry and J.D. speak about their study and experience of the three traditional stages of the interior life of one who is seeking God: the purgative way, the illuminative way, and the unitive way.

J.D. and Fr. Barry introduce a topic that can sometimes be confusing, and even a bit personal, to Catholics - the difference between public and private revelation. Public revelation is God's self-disclosure to all people. Private revelation is God's self-disclosure to an individual or a group. Various devotions and piety exist within the Catholic Church due to its global nature and long history; b...

J.D. and Fr. Barry consider a listener's insightful question about why we sing the Gloria. They also discuss how worship is like training camp: an intense, focused period of preparation so that when we who have worshiped walk out of the Church and into the world, we can recognize God in it and respond in faith to whatever life may throw at us. Veteran players often mentor those new to the team dur...

Fr. Barry and J.D. continue their exploration (and explication?) of a solid Catholic understanding of worship. Why do we "have to go" to Mass? How can we participate fully, actively, and consciously in the liturgy so that worship is a transformative experience instead of a repetitive responsibility? We hope this episode will have you thinking about Mass in a new way and attending Mass with a new s...

Fr. Barry and J.D. reflect on the concept of church as family and the communal experience of attending Mass. Worship is discussed as a relationship with God, rather than just an activity, and the importance of prioritizing this relationship is emphasized. The concept of idolatry is explored, highlighting how prioritizing work or other things over God can negatively impact our lives. The podcast al...

The podcast explores various aspects of Christianity, including the concept of God, the importance of prayer, and the process of discerning a vocation in the church. Topics covered include: The meaning of Confirmation and the Bishop's role. Having a positive image of God for mental and spiritual well-being. How God's justice and mercy work together. Discerning God's voice and following a calling....

J.D. and Fr. Barry talk about responding to suffering. Why do pain and roadblocks happen in our lives and what should we do when it happens to us? Fr. Barry emphasizes that priests are also human beings with fallibilities, just like everyone else. Eating salad is suggested as a starting point for various life challenges. Dental professionals face challenges when communicating with patients due to...

Fr. Barry and J.D. discuss how to live the Easter season like St. Peter. We consider what it was like for Peter to be around a resurrected Christ, his friend, brother and God who he personally put to death. How did the future first Pope and father of the church, Peter, react during the resurrection time, and what does that mean for us today? A bishop teaches Fr. Barry to pray like a priest What do...

Now that we are in the Octave of Easter, J.D. and Fr. Barry discuss how we should move from the Fast of Lent to the Feast of Eastertide. Is this an excuse to eat a whole bag of jellybeans? In this episode we'll dive into: What is the Easter Octave and why is it like a bell? Fasting vs. Feasting Why does Easter occur when it does on the calendar? Can we move it next year? How Easter compares to a w...

It's Holy Week and the time we begin the walk with Jesus towards the cross. Come along with current Catholic priest, Fr. Barry Cuba and former Episcopal priest, J.D. McQueen, II, of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Austin, TX to ponder creating space for God this week. In this episode we'll dive into: What Father Barry's motto would be if he were ever a bishop Whether Bartholomew and Nathaniel are t...

How is your Lent going so far? If you have sidestepped the goal or goals you set out with at Ash Wednesday, you are definitely not alone. In this premiere episode of our podcast, learn from current Catholic priest, Fr. Barry Cuba and former Episcopal priest, J.D. McQueen, II, of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Austin, TX how to get back on track and prepare your hearts for Easter. In this episode y...