The Faith Explained with Cale Clarke - Learning the Catholic Faith

The Old Covenant High Priest wore a breastplate of gemstones representing the 12 tribes of Israel.  He "carried God's people into his presence.  Likewise, Jesus carries us and our concerns in his Sacred Heart. 

Cale looks at which elements of modern evolutionary theory are compatible with Scripture and Catholic doctrine, and which are not — which is a separate question from whether or not evolution is the best scientific explanation for human origins.

Cale takes a look at evolution. Is the Bible out of step with modern science? How should we understand the Creation narrative in Scripture? Learn how science and faith aren’t in conflict, but complement one another.

The vestments of the high priest in Israel were like a fireman’s protective gear, keeping them safe from the fire of God’s holiness.

Yes, other religions had features similar to ancient Israel. But that doesn’t mean the biblical authors “made it all up”. God is speaking to his people in a way they can understand. The ultimate example? The Incarnation.

In building the tabernacle, every mundane detail is charged with supernatural meaning. God lives in a human structure…and in this way, it prefigures the Incarnation of Christ.

As we explore the interior of the tabernacle, Cale explains the lampstand, or menorah. Jesus tells us that he is the true light of the world, and heals a man born blind to prove it.

What was the table of “Showbread” in the tabernacle? Why was it called “The Bread of the Face”, and what does it have do do with Jesus and the Eucharist?

As we begin Lent on this Ash Wednesday, Cale looks at how the wicked city of Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonah, complete with fasting and ashes of their own.

Cale looks at the theological meaning of the colors chosen for the construction of the tabernacle, and takes a look at the heart of it all, the Ark of the Covenant.

God gives Moses the "blueprints" for building the tabernacle, God's sanctuary on earth, so that might be with his people on their pilgrimage to the promised land.  In the Q & A section, Cale answers the question if angels could merge into one another and also become one another? 

Cale explains how Jesus draws on the “blood of the covenant” in Exodus 24 when he institutes the new covenant in his blood, the Eucharist. Plus: in our Q&A: “How can Jesus command us to drink his blood when the Old Testament prohibits the drinking of blood?”

Moses and his companions have a “mountaintop experience” with God…literally. They are face-to-face with the Almighty and live to tell the tale! Experience the lifting of the veil between heaven and earth as we explore Exodus 24.

How can we adore God? Does God need our sacrifices?  Cale looks at Genesis 8 and 9 and discusses baptism, sacrifice, and also the acronym ACTS (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication).

God promises the Israelites that, if they do all he commands, he will bless them with a beautiful life in the “beautiful land”. Likewise, Jesus reminds us that, if we love him, we will obey his commandments. Our reward? Life in the Spirit on earth, and the “promised land” of the  new heaven and the new earth.

Cale concludes his look at the 7 Feasts of the Old Covenant prefigure the Festivals of the New Covenant in Jesus Christ.

Cale explains how the 7 Feasts of the Old Covenant prefigure the Festivals of the New Covenant in Jesus Christ.

Just as the Old Covenant had appointed times (special days, years, and feasts) for dealing with God, New Covenant Christians need regular “norms” of piety to help make holiness attainable in everyday life.

Cale shows how, once again, Jesus didn’t make a radical break with Judaism, but reveals the heart of the law. Loving enemies is commanded even in Exodus!

God gave Israel laws meant to protect the vulnerable, especially widows and orphans. If someone needed money, you couldn’t lend it at interest. There was to be no profiting from another’s misfortune. And, what about “not cursing God or your leaders”? Best not to look at social media!

Why did the flood happen? Was the flood regional or did it cover the entire earth? Cale looks at archaeological and scientific evidence of the flood and considers its geographical scope. What would it have been like for the animals on the ark? Ultimately, what does this story tell us about God?

Who are the “righteous remnant”? Do the animals on the ark have a special significance? Cale shares a key phrase for the entire flood narrative, some incredible insights from the early Church Fathers, and much more!

The laws of ancient Israel were about putting love in action. Sin, including sorcery, seduction, selfish lending practices…are you scandalized yet! (Another s-word)and all kinds of other faults, demonstrated a lack of love that would not go unnoticed—or unpunished—by God. Also, here, for the first time, God reveals that he is “compassionate”. But how?

We’re used to seeing people in coutroom dramas (and in real courtrooms!) putting their hand on a Bible and swearing “to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.” But in ancient Israel, having to “swear to God” before the blazing pillar of fire was, literally, an “awe-some” way of getting to the truth of the matter!

In Exodus, God tells Moses he only wants a “bare-bones” altar to be built. No carved stones, no outer beauty. Does this mean Catholics are wrong to build beautiful Cathedrals? Plus, in our Q&A segment? Are there really 8 Beatitudes…or are there actually 10?