Living Catholic with Monsignor Don Wolf

In this episode, Father Wolf examines fatherhood from both theological and cultural perspectives. The title "Father" for God has become controversial in contemporary religious discourse. Yet when Jesus exclusively addressed God as Father, he wasn't attributing maleness to the divine but invoking a specific understanding of love that illuminates our relationship with God. The distinc...

The feast of Pentecost deserves our renewed attention. While most Catholics readily celebrate Christmas and Easter with appropriate fervor, Pentecost—one of Christianity's most ancient celebrations with direct scriptural roots—often passes with minimal recognition.  Unlike many Christian observances that were established after the New Testament era, Pentecost existed as a significant Jewish f...

In this episode, Father Wolf unpacks resurrection narratives to reveal a fascinating pattern: those who knew Jesus best consistently failed to recognize him after his resurrection. Whether on the Emmaus road or in the locked upper room, his followers struggled to perceive who stood before them. What prevented recognition, and when did clarity finally arrive? The answer provides a profound insight...

In this episode, we explore the forgotten meaning of Memorial Day and our collective responsibility to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. What began as "Decoration Day" to honor Civil War dead has transformed into something far less meaningful for many Americans today. • Memorial Day originally honored those who died in the Civil War—America's deadliest conflict • Human so...

The unexpected election of the first American Pope has sent shockwaves through the Catholic world, leaving many wondering what this historic shift means for the Church's future. In this episode, Father Wolf cuts through the political noise to offer a thoughtful, nuanced perspective on Pope Leo XIV's election and what his leadership might bring. Rather than falling into the trap of labeli...

In this episode, Father Wolf unpacks the widely misunderstood doctrine of papal infallibility, explaining its actual meaning, historical context and importance in preserving Catholic teaching through generations. • Papal infallibility is a relatively new doctrine formally defined at the First Vatican Council (1869-1870) • The doctrine only applies when the Pope officially teaches on matters of fai...

In this episode, Father Don Wolf reflects on the nature of papal conclaves and how cardinals discern who will lead the Church forward, acknowledging both the human limitations and divine guidance in this process. He also shares his own humbling experience of incorrectly predicting that Cardinal Ratzinger would not become pope after John Paul II's death. • The cardinals who elect the pope are...

Pope Francis has died at age 88, following recent health challenges including respiratory infection complications made more difficult by his lifelong condition of having only one functioning lung. His papacy, which began when he was 76 years old, spanned 12 years of devoted service despite increasing physical limitations including severe mobility issues. • Pope's death came on Easter Sunday n...

What if graves no longer held the final word on human existence? On this Easter Sunday episode, we explore the revolutionary promise at the heart of Christian faith—that Jesus's resurrection fundamentally transforms our understanding of life, death, and eternity. Throughout human history, graves have held mesmerizing power in developing cultural identity. From Arlington Cemetery to the Vietna...

In this episode, Father Wolf explores the dramatic shift from "Hosanna" to "Crucify him" during Holy Week, revealing how crowds are moved by deep passions and often project their expectations onto spiritual realities. When Jesus simply dismounted at the temple without any grand proclamation, the crowd's frustrated expectations planted seeds of the coming hostility. "T...

The Jubilee Year stands as a powerful invitation to renewal, drawing us into the heart of God's extraordinary mercy. Father Don Wolfe unravels the rich tapestry of this sacred time, explaining how this celebration extends from Christmas 2023 through Epiphany 2026, offering unique opportunities for spiritual transformation at designated pilgrimage sites like the Shrine of Blessed Stanley Rothe...

In this episode, we explore how Lent prepares us to fully encounter the proclamation of Easter Sunday and the risen Christ. The 40 days of Lent tune our spiritual ears to hear what we might otherwise miss. • The resurrection accounts in the New Testament show that even Jesus' closest followers needed help recognizing him • Encountering the risen Christ always came after hearing the proclamati...

At the heart of this episode is the Gospel story of the paralyzed man, whose friends lowered him through a roof to reach Jesus. Christ's first words—"Your sins are forgiven"—reveal a profound connection between physical brokenness and spiritual restoration. When challenged, Jesus demonstrates his authority by commanding the man to stand, take his mat and go home. This wasn't me...

As the White House moves to make IVF more accessible and affordable, Catholics find themselves at a crossroads between compassion for those struggling with infertility and fidelity to Church teaching on human reproduction. Join as Father Wolf explores why IVF—now responsible for approximately 2% of U.S. births—raises profound moral concerns despite its widespread acceptance. Drawing a parallel to...

Father Don Wolfe examines the troubling implications of Britain's recent legalization of assisted suicide, exploring how practices intended for "dignity in dying" inevitably expand beyond their original scope and transform healthcare from preservation of life to facilitation of death. • Britain joining a growing list of countries legalizing assisted suicide for "legally compete...

A time for deep reflection and personal change invites listeners to explore the true meaning of the 40 days of Lent. We delve into the necessity for meaningful disciplines that cultivate growth and deepen faith and connection.  In this episode: • Significance of Lent and its call to introspection  • Addressing distractions of the digital age  • Steps to ensure chosen disciplines genuinely resonate...

This episode delves into the intriguing intersection of faith and the supernatural, exploring personal anecdotes and cultural narratives surrounding ghost encounters. Father Wolf discusses the essence of fear associated with ghosts, the scriptural acknowledgment of the supernatural, and the importance of prayer in addressing these haunting experiences.  • Personal stories about ghostly blessings ...

This episode dives into the significance of the Eucharist and our ongoing encounter with Christ, exploring how the bishops aim to reignite this awareness among Catholic believers. Through examining resurrection narratives and the role of women at the tomb, we reflect on the importance of testimony, baptism, and the invitation to reconnect with our faith heritage as we seek a transformative experie...

What if the key to understanding your faith lies in the ancient stories and traditions that have been guiding believers for centuries? Discover how the dramatic conversion of St. Paul can serve as a blueprint for our own spiritual transformations, urging us to integrate both prayer and action into our daily lives. Through Paul's life-changing encounter with Christ, we're invited to see s...

The episode emphasizes the journey of encountering Christ through the Eucharist amidst doubt and uncertainty. Father Wolf explores how the real presence of Christ affects believers today, encouraging them to embrace community and shared faith experiences. • Discussion on the urgency of Eucharistic revival  • Exploring the apostles' doubt and their encounter with Christ  • The significance of...

This episode explores the complexities of faith amid doubt, focusing on the Eucharistic revival and Christ's real presence in our lives. Father Wolf emphasizes that embracing uncertainty is part of the journey, reminding us that true conviction often arises through action, not merely belief. • Examining the Eucharistic revival and its purpose  • The challenge of real absence in modern communi...

The episode invites listeners to reconsider their understanding of the Eucharist and the concept of Christ's real presence amidst modern skepticism.  • Exploring the Eucharistic revival as a response to widespread confusion about the real presence  • Historical shifts in the understanding and practice of receiving communion  • The impact of societal absence on contemporary faith practices  •...

The episode explores the significance of the New Year as a time to reflect on our past choices and prepare for the future with intention. Through discussions on progress, faith, and the impact of our decisions, it emphasizes the importance of our participation in God’s work and the divine fulfillment of our lives.  • Importance of intentional choices for shaping the future  • Differences between c...

The episode invites listeners to reflect on the pressing moral dilemmas regarding abortion, IVF, and euthanasia while considering our cultural understanding of life and choice. It highlights the shifts in societal attitudes and political discussions, urging a critical examination of personal beliefs and community actions. • Reflecting on the significance of the New Year for self-evaluation and com...

Returning home for the holidays is a journey filled with nostalgia and unexpected changes. Imagine coming back from college only to find that the house you left feels both familiar and different.  ************ Father Don Wolf is a priest of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Living Catholic also broadcasts on Oklahoma Catholic Radio several times per week, with new episodes airing every Sunday.