Spiraling Upwards

We continue last week's discussion of the three categories of books, and how a book or story may move from one category to another (e.g. the story of David and Goliath).

In this episode we discuss the widespread difficulty people have with reading, and introduce a method of categorizing books according to the different motives we have for reading them.

On this National Day of Prayer for the Protection of the Unborn, this episode discusses the healing that our world needs from the deeper effects of Roe v. Wade.

In this episode we explore the word "order," and what it means both for our lives and for the season of "Ordinary Time" which we have entered into.

This episode discusses the mystery of Christ's coming into the world in the context of the Gospel passage from today's Mass, the story of the Storm on the Sea of Galilee.

On the 8th Day of Christmas, we consider how our True Love, the Child Jesus, has given to us the joy of getting to use that gift which He Himself received this day: the gift of His Holy Name!

In this episode for Christmas Day, we reflect on the idea of "saving" someone, and what it means for us to say that Jesus is the Savior of the world.

Continuing last week's idea of pondering over the mysteries of the life of Jesus Christ through Mary's constant faith, we consider today her unwavering hope, and her longing for to see His face.

In this episode, we consider the affect which the miraculous conception of Jesus in the womb of the Virgin Mary had upon her faith in God and her prayer.

Continuing the prior discussion of gratitude, this episode hones in on the question of making an adequate response of gratitude to God for what He has given to us.

On this First Anniversary of the launch of Spiraling Upwards, we consider what we have to be grateful for, especially as regards the gift of faith, and what gratitude itself is in response to a gift.

In preparation for the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, we discuss what it means to say that Jesus is a king, and even more, to say he is our king.

In this episode we consider our Lord's teaching about loving our enemies, and the power of prayer in repairing the harm done by sin both in our own hearts and in the hearts of others.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of praying for others, as a spiritual work of mercy, especially for the Poor Souls in Purgatory, and for the conversion of sinners. 

In this episode we speak about the Feast of All Saints Day (Nov. 1), and its relation to the festivities of the evening before. 

In this episode we discuss the nature of Chastity (or the Virtue of Purity), in contrast to its two opposites, the deficiency which is Impurity, and the counterfeit which we see in Puritanism.

In this episode we discuss the nature of Love (or Charity) itself, in contrast to certain vices which stand opposed to it, which might be called Hatred/Malice, Indifference and Self-Love.

We continue last week's discussion of why authentic Faith is the direct assent to an infallible teacher, and only then in the truths taught, and also some vices opposed to Faith under different aspects.

In this episode we discuss the nature of Faith itself, and introduce three vices which stand opposed to it, which might be called Infidelity, Apostacy and Heresy.

In this episode we begin a new series on particular virtues, by considering the virtue of Hope, and it's two opposing vices, which are Despair and Presumption.

In this episode we discuss the Catholic understanding of Purgatory, as a place of purifying the souls of those who die in a state of grace, but not yet perfected in charity.

In this episode we consider the Christian idea of Heaven, which we long for particularly under the aspect of being caught up into the joy of God for all eternity. 

In this episode, we delve into the question of what happens to people when they die, not just by way of eternal destiny, but by way of continuing to exist.

In the light of the Seven Words of Mary in Scripture, we open up the question of who the Virgin Mary is as a person, and what is her incredible importance for us and for the whole Universal Church.

In this episode we consider the nature of the Church as a unified Body of Christ, and open the question of what Catholics mean when we talk of "praying to Mary and the Saints."